As the doors swung open, Ella stepped into the chamber, her eyes widening at the sight before her. The meeting room was bathed in an ethereal glow, with tall, arched windows adorned with intricate stained glass, casting vibrant colors across the polished marble floor. Elaborate tapestries adorned the walls, depicting the rich history and legends of the Darkwalker Elves. The room was filled with an air of reverence and ancient wisdom.
Seated at a long, ornate table were the members of the Darkwalker Council. Their expressions were a mix of sternness and curiosity, their eyes piercing as they regarded Ryu and Ella. The council members, clad in robes adorned with symbols of their rank, exuded an aura of authority and experience. They were the wisest and most respected elders of the Twilight Court.
At the head of the table sat Lord Sanada, and his son Azuma, their presence commanding and formidable. Azmua’s gaze met Ella’s, a hint of skepticism in his eyes. Mizuki had told her that Azuma was known for his traditionalist views, and his opposition to Ryu’s reign was deep seated.
Ella braced herself, wondering what was to come.
Ryu took a deep breath, his voice steady as he addressed the council.
“Greetings Council members. You requested our presence. What is the purpose of this meeting?”
The council's leader, an elf with silver-streaked hair and piercing blue eyes, regarded them with a solemn expression.
“Lord Ogumi Ryu, Ella of Strayhaven,” he began, his voice carrying a weight of authority. “We have received troubling information that needs clarification, Lord Ryu. It has come to our attention that you and the human Ella are lifebonded.”
Gasps rose in the room, and Ella’s heart skipped a beat, her breath catching in her throat. The revelation hung in the air, casting a shroud of uncertainty over the room. Her eyes darted to Ryu, seeking comfort and understanding, yet finding confusion mirrored in his own gaze.
Mizuki and Hiroshi turned to look at her. Ella flushed, expecting to see shock and condemnation in their eyes, but both of them looked unsurprised, as if they had expected this. Mizuki leaned over to take Ella’s hand in hers, and she ciaght it gratefully, glad that she hadn’t lost her friends.
A chair scraped as a lord stood up from the audience, and Ella turned back to the council, her heart pounding in her chest as Lord Sanada Azuma stood to stare at Ryu.
She could see the triumphant gleam in his eyes, knowing that he had uncovered Ryu’s secret.
The room fell silent as Lord Azuma spoke, his voice carrying through the air.
“Lord Ryu,” Azuma’s voice dripped with barely concealed contempt, “it seems your human blood taints every decision you make.” He looked at Ella, and turned to face the council. “He was being influenced by his lifebond with a human. This human.”
Azum pointed an accusing finger at Ella. Several pairs of eyes turned to her, and Ella wanted to shrink into the wall, but she forced herself to stand stall, and not move.
“So, this is why you wanted a treaty with the humans, Ryu,” Azuma declared, his words dripping with contempt. “You’re just like your father, willing to betray our kind for the sake of outsiders.”
Ryu clenched his jaw, and stepped forward. “I may be bonded to Ella, but I am still loyal to the Twilight Court,” he said passionately. “I am only trying to help us grow, and building a relationship with our neighbors is the way to do it.” He looked around at the gathered elders. “Staying isolated as we always have is not the answer. We cannot bury our head in the sand and pretend the world isn’t changing.” He looked at Azuma with a sneer. “Tradition alone does not make a ruler, Lord Azuma. It is the ability to adapt and understand the changing times that truly determines a leader’s worth.”
“I agree,” Azuma said, smiling. “The Twilight Court needs a strong ruler, especially when so much is changing in the wirld. I ask that the Council give me permission to seek the favor of the Twilight Throne,” Azuma said, “as a true representative of the Darkwalker realms, and a member of the Twilight Court.”
Ella gasped. Was Azuma making a play for the throne?
The Council broke into murmurs, which died down as Ryu stepped forward, turning to faze Azuma.
“There can be only one heir to the Throne.”
“Birth alone means nothing,” Azuma snarled. “The Throne chooses the worthy, andI am worthy.” He stepped forward to look down at Ryu. “I’m not a half-human hybrid like you.”
Ella gasped, her hand itching to slap Azuma. How dare he!
She watched as Ryu straightened his posture, his expression firm and unyielding. She had never seen him defend humans before, but now, he stood proudly before the Darkwalker Council.
“I am not ashamed of my heritage,” Ryu stated, his voice carrying a sense of determination. As Ryu spoke, Ella couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration for him. She realized that she had underestimated him, that the person he truly was beneath his ruthless exterior was different than what she’d thought.
“My mother—your Princess Consort—is human, and she taught me the value of compassion and understanding. We cannot thrive in isolation, clinging to ancient grudges. It is time for us to forge a new path, one that embraces unity and cooperation.” He paused. “The bond between Ella and me is indeed strong, but it is not a threat to the Twilight Court or its traditions. Rather, it is a testament to the harmony that can exist between humans and elves.”
Ryu looked around at the other Elves, his gaze moving from Lady Aiko to Lady Michiko to linger on Lord Kenji, obviously hoping from some reaction from them.
Ella’s heart sank when Lord Kenji remained silent. Ella had hoped that he would support Ryu in this critical moment, but his inaction spoke volumes. His gaze shifted away from Ryu, avoiding any confrontation with the Council.
Ella’s mind raced as she considered the consequences of this revelation.
Ryu’s lifebond with her, once hidden, was now exposed. The Darkwalker Council would judge him, and she feared the outcome. She wanted to step forward, to defend Ryu and their bond, but she knew that it would only further complicate matters.
